The late Bernie McIntyre to be remembered at Ballyshannon Relay For Life event

The Abbey Bay Residents have announced a bumper evening in aid of Relay for Life Donegal, where an old friend will be remembered.

The event will be held in McGinley’s Bar, Ballyshannon on Saturday, June 28 at 9.30pm. A raffle will be held on the night with all proceeds going to Relay For Life. John McIntyre and his “No Name Band” will provide the entertainment in what will be a very poignant evening for John.

“I was selling off old iron at the house for a few hundred euros and just thought I would donate it to charity,” said John. “I asked my neighbour Paul McLoone if there was a cancer charity that he would think appropriate and he mentioned Relay. That was on March 20 and after I told my sister Bernie about it, she thought it was a great idea and immediately donated a further €100. We planned the event for mid-May but on May 10, tragically Bernie passed away.

“The suddenness and shock of Bernie’s passing is still hard to take in but we want to honour her memory on June 28 by raising as much money as we can for Relay.”

Paul McLoone, who encountered cancer six times over the years, attends Relay For Life in Letterkenny every year. He says that they have been a huge support to cancer sufferers throughout Donegal over the years.

“I was delighted when John mentioned a cancer charity as I have observed the Relay for Life team first hand for many years,” said Paul. “Their contribution to the wellbeing of cancer patients in Donegal since their first event twelve years ago has been immeasurable. It is tremendous that my home area in the Abbey is now hosting an evening for Relay and is even more special when we can now honour Bernie McIntyre who, together with her family, have been trojan workers for our community for as long as I can remember”.

Chairman of Relay for Life Donegal Seamus Devine will attend the event in McGinley’s.

Seamus Devine and Paul McCloone

“Relay has a great presence in many parts of the County but I am keen that we host more events in South Donegal,” said Seamus. “I was delighted when Paul told me about the Ballyshannon event at Relay in Letterkenny on May 25 and I do hope the bonds that will be established in McGinley’s will go from strength to strength for years to come.”

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Tickets for the fundraising raffle are available in McGinley’s (€10 each) can be purchased online by texting Paul at 087 2222834 who will forward the link.